Key

The key of A major · 3 sharps: F♯ C♯ G♯

Major keys sound bright and settled. The I, IV and V chords do most of the work; the minor ii, iii and vi add color.

Relative minor: F♯ minor — the same notes and key signature. Parallel minor: A minor. Scale: A major scale.

Notes in the key

ABC♯DEF♯G♯

Chords in A major

One chord on each note of the scale. Roman numerals show each chord’s position — uppercase for major, lowercase for minor.

Left-handed

I A

A C♯ E

ii Bm

B D F♯

iii C♯m

C♯ E G♯

IV D

D F♯ A

V E

E G♯ B

vi F♯m

F♯ A C♯

vii° G♯dim

G♯ B D

Common progressions in A major

The pop progression I–V–vi–IV A – E – F♯m – D Three-chord rock I–IV–V–IV A – D – E – D The ’50s progression I–vi–IV–V A – F♯m – D – E The minor-feel pop progression vi–IV–I–V F♯m – D – A – E The 12-bar blues 12-bar blues A7 – D7 – E7 The jazz cadence ii–V–I Bm7 – E7 – Amaj7 The turnaround I–vi–ii–V A – F♯m – Bm – E Pachelbel’s Canon I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V A – E – F♯m – C♯m – D – A – D – E The Mixolydian rock progression I–♭VII–IV–I A – G – D – A

Circle of fifths

Each step clockwise adds a sharp (or removes a flat). Neighbors on the circle share all but one note, so A major’s closest keys are right next to it — and its relative minor sits on the inner ring. Click any key to open it.